Financial Specialist in Jamaica, New York at Transitional Services For New York Inc

Transitional Services for New York, Inc., not-for profit, is a comprehensive, community-based mental health organization located in New York City. We provide a continuum of rehabilitative services to enrich the lives of those recovering from mental illness and facilitate their transition to increased levels of independence. Transitional Services for New York, Inc. envisions broadening its rehabilitative services and becoming a regional social service provider. Transitional Services for New York Staff will deliver effective programs with compassion, integrity, and professionalism. We expect all staff to put our clients’ needs first while respecting ourselves and each other as we provide hope to those who participate in our programs.

Position Summary

Responsible for assisting individuals admitted to TSINY’s residential programs to apply for and maintain benefits they are eligible for. Assist individuals through direct benefit counseling and act as a resource for other TSINY employees providing services to residents.

Essential Functions

• Serve as a Financial Resource person to all residents regarding Welfare, SSA, SSI, Medicaid, Medicare, Food Stamps, delinquent college loans, bank loans, VA Benefits, Legal Aid opportunities, insurance companies regarding long and short-term disability entitlements, etc.
• Review the financial plan during the intake process to serve as a support to the Intake/Assessment/Discharge/Finance Director.
• Orient each new resident to financial arrangements with TSINY and to their responsibilities toward resource agencies, as well as to determine if there are problems or unique elements in their individual financial history.
• Assist residents in setting up financial linkages with SSA, SSI, Welfare, etc.
• Assist residents in maintaining financial stability (e.g., resolutions of problematic situations, guidance in responding to questionnaires, providing direction for mandatory visits to resource agencies, job counseling, etc.
• Ongoing education for residents about human rights, benefits and linkages to resource agencies.
• Educate staff about financial resources and agencies and their procedures (forms, etc.); and act as consultant to staff in their interaction with these resource agencies.
• Alerting staff to any financial problems or unusual circumstances regarding an individual resident.
• Act as a liaison with Welfare, the Social Security Administration, Food Stamp Bureau, Medicaid, Medicare, etc. on behalf of TSINY, as well as an advocate for individual residents.
• Assist residents in the preparation of documentation for Social Security and Welfare hearings.
• Provide support for the resident by accompanying him/her to judicial hearings and testifying in their behalf.
• Document own contact with residents, including responsibility for developing and maintaining a complete financial record.
• Responsible for documenting clinical and program information arising out of direct resident contact.
• Monthly review of resident account ledger to detect any real or potential problems regarding resident funds.
• Report to Administrative staff on resident financial matters individually and as a whole.
• Assist staff in the financial aspects of discharge planning, including consultation on forms, budgets, etc.
• Attend Community Supporting meetings to have an updated awareness of any changes, benefits, etc. which would directly affect the residents’ resources.
• Develop contacts with the various resource agencies.
• Process Department of Social Services, Social Security, Food Stamp Bureau, etc. mail for the residents in the community residence programs.
• Assist in arranging appointments, the composing and deliverance of resource letters.
• Maintain Medicaid files
• Maintain Food Stamp files
• Quarterly Medicaid Overburden Survey from Albany
• Involved in most budgeting plans for the residents regarding consultation with resident finance person and clinical staff.
• Be able to sit or stand as needed, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• May require walking, primarily on a level surface, for short periods throughout the day, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Be able to reach above shoulder heights, below the waist or lift as required to file documents or store materials throughout the workday, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• During a declared disaster, assume and adhere to assigned Job Action role(s) consistent with Disaster Preparedness Plan.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Experience/Education/Skills/Abilities

High School diploma plus knowledge of Federal, State and City social service systems.